Emperor Norton of United States

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EMPEROR l
NORTON

UNITED STATES |

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Emperor Norton

Printed by

NEWS PUBLISHING CO
Sacramento, Calif.

To

JOHN J. NEWBEGIN
My faithful friend, I dedicate this
book in the spirit of Good-
fellowship.

—ALBERT DRESSLER.

THANKS

To California State Library Staff
For cheerful service rendered in locating
its archives a large part of the material
this book. —THE EDITOR.

CONTENTS

Emperor Norton . ..—- 1

Have we an Emperor Amongst Us?.-. 3

Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis Dispatches. 9

Dead Dogs . 13

Queen Isabella and the Spanish Difficulty. 18

Telegrams . 21

Nathan Peiser’s Story. 22

Curtain . 27

Norton Imperator, by Dr. George Chismore. 30

ILLUSTRATIONS

Pa S e

Emperor Norton .Frontispiece

Emperor Norton—Water Color by Virgil Williams. 2

“The Three Friends,” by Edward E. Jump. 6

Jeff. Davis . 8

Petaluma, California. 10

The Grand State Ball, Sonoma, California. 11

Funeral of Lazarus by Jump. 12

Hearst . 13

Poor Old Bummer, by Snook’s. Jr. 14

Facsimile—Bridging San Francisco Bay—Proclamation_ 20

Facsimile—Emperor Norton Note . 26

“The Tables Turned” Dennis Kearney.. 28

Empmu* 5uu1mt

EMPEROR NORTON

^ MPEROR NORTON I, of the United States,
whose real name was Joshua A. Norton—an in¬
dividual synonymous with San Francisco’s youth
—was a native of England, probably of Jewish
parentage, born February 4, 1819. His early
life was spent on the West Coast of Africa, the
details of which are rather vague. He arrived in San Fran¬
cisco on the steamer Franzika,* in December, 1849, with a
capital of about $40,000.00. Establishing an office on Mont¬
gomery Street, he engaged successfully in the Real Estate
and General Brokerage business. Later he had offices on the
northwest corner of Jackson and Sansome Streets, and was
the owner of a frame building on the north side of Com¬
mercial Street below Montgomery, which for years bore his
name.

Heir to the influence of childhood impressions, as is
mankind’s wont, Norton was an enthusiastic advocate of
“The Divine Right of Kings,” particularly in America. And,
because of his convictions on the subject which he freely
voiced, his friends jestingly called him “The Emperor.”

His successful career in California, following the Will-o’-
wisp of Fate, reached its financial zenith in 1853, at a quarter
of a million dollars, at which time he eagerly speculated with
a view to cornering the rice market; in association with a man
named Thorne and with several other firms, but failed. In the
wake of litigation and indebtedness which followed, his hith¬
erto strong mentality seemed to-waver, and in this weakened
state, the title formerly used in jest by his friends, and then
used in a well-meaning effort to raise his spirits, gradually
became to him a reality.

‘STEAMER FRANZIKA

— 1 —

LIFE AND EXPERIENCES

From 1853 to 1857 Norton retired into obscurity, from
which he emerged and began to go about the business of
enacting the various duties associated with his office as
Emperor. He claimed that by an act of the Legislature in
1853 he had been made Emperor of United States, and his
first proclamation was issued in September, 1859. The San
Francisco Bulletin of September 17, 1859, printed the fol¬
lowing article :

“Have We An Emperor Among Us?

“The world is full of queer people. This forenoon
a well-dressed and serious-looking man entered our
office, and quietly left the following document, which
he respectfully requested we would examine and in¬
sert in the Bulletin. Promising him to look at it, he
politely retired, without saying anything further.
Here is the paper:

“At the peremptory request and desire of a large
majority of the citizens of these United States, I,
Joshua Norton, formerly of Algoa Bay, Cape of Good
Hope, and now for the past nine years and ten
months of San Francisco, California, declare and
proclaim myself Emperor of these U. S., and in virtue
of the authority thereby in me vested, do hereby
order and direct the representatives of the different
States of the Union to assemble in Musical Hall, of
this city, on the 1st day of February next, then and
there to make such alterations in the existing laws
of the Union as may ameliorate the evils under which
the country is laboring, and thereby cause con¬
fidence to exist, both at home and abroad, in our sta¬
bility and integrity.

NORTON I,

“17th Sept., 1859 Emperor of the United States.”

—3—

EMPEROR NORTON

With the advent of so m e Mexican trouble shortly
after, he adopted the additional title “Protector of Mexico.”
Later he dropped this title because, as he said, “It is impos¬
sible to protect such an unsettled Nation.”

Norton seldom issued proclamations of a personal nature,
though in February, 1860, being desirous of visiting Sacra¬
mento where the Legislature was then in session, and being
denied transportation by the Steam Navigation Company, he
issued an order to the commander of the revenue cutter to
blockade the Sacramento River until the offending company
could be brought to terms.

He frequented the “Free Lunch Restaurants,” then in
their initial stage, Norton was always treated with cour¬
tesy, fed generously and dismissed airily without charge, as
was befitting one of his station.

He was easily identified by his appearance. His uniform
was a well-worn and faded blue suit of regimentals,
with gold-plated epaulettes (tarnished), flower and leaf in
the coat lapel, a small blue cap which was later replaced by
a beaver hat thoughtfully sent to him by one of his subjects
from Oregon, and decorated locally with a rosette and bright
feather. In his hand he carried a carved cane fashioned to
the likeness of an entwined serpent; when the weather was
threatening, to the cane was added a tri-colored umbrella.
Shoes, notorious for size and generously punctuated, he al¬
ways walked in pursuance of his regal business.

LIFE AND EXPERIENCES

At his heels voluntary attaches generally might be seen in
the figures of Bummer and Lazarus, the two town dogs.
Bummer was brought to the city by a newspaperman named
Knight, but the dog soon disowned his master. Another dog,
called Lazarus, appeared about the same time without spon¬
sor. The two dogs struck up a friendship and became in¬
separable.

Most aggressive and uncanny dogs they were, and stories
have been passed along the years which place them in a
distinct canine category. Denizens of the “Free Lunch,” also;
usually giving preference to the places of more bountiful fare,
they could be seen regularly in the company of Norton at
meal times.

Edward E. Jump, one of California’s most noted cartoon¬
ists. who was then young, drew a caricature of the three
friends, the “Emperor” at the lunch table, and “Bummer” and
“Lazarus” waiting for the crumbs, which was painted. A
copy was placed in a downtown window and much admired.
Norton, passing, glanced into the window, paused a moment
to remark, “An insult to the dignity of an Emperor,” and
crashed his cane through both window and picture. This is
the only report of any drastic act during his reign.

LIFE AND EXPERIENCES

Many proclamations were issued and published by other
people under Norton’s name, and false telegraphic news, ap¬
parently the handiwork of joking telegraph company em¬
ployees, merely served as a bracing stimulant to local interest.
Norton received telegrams supposed to have come from Lin¬
coln and from Jefferson Davis—one from Lincoln saying that
the President thanked the Emperor for his support, and that
he had a good story to tell, but at present was too busy
settling accounts with a seedy individual named Davis. Nor¬
ton was instructed to proceed to Petaluma, there to remain
until further official notice. He was fond of speaking of
these dispatches, some received from the crowned heads and
dead-heads of Europe, and was particularly delighted at the
prospect of wedding Queen Victoria, and blending the two
nations into one.

[Daily Alta California, Dec. 22, 1862]

The subjoined sarcastic proclamation of the renowned
Emperor Norton was picked up on the street yesterday. The
rumored disruption of the Cabinet is a matter in which the
Emperor evidently takes deep interest:

PROCLAMATION

We, Norton I, do hereby decree that the office of Presi¬
dent, Vice-President, and Speaker of the House of Represen¬
tatives of the United States are, fi'om and after this date,
abolished.

We further decree that the Senate of the United States
elect a prominent Democrat as their presiding officer, to act
as President until the next election, and to reconstruct the
Cabinet according to our wishes hereafter to be declared.

Done at our palace this 21st day of December, A. D., 1862.

NORTON I.

-7-

EMPEROR NORTON

Jeff Davis

LIFE AND EXPERIENCES

[Daily Alta California, March 29, 1864]

Important Telegraphic Correspondence — Considerable
prominence has lately been given to the correspondence be¬
tween Jeff. Davis and certain European potentates, and we
presume that the following dispatches, for the genuineness
of which we can vouch, will be read with equal avidity by all
classes of the community:

“Richmond, Va., March 11th ( 2 l / 2 P. M.), 1864—-To His
Excellency Emperor Norton, San Francisco, Cal.: It is with
pain and regret that I learn that you are holding communica¬
tions with the arch-traitor, Abe Lincoln, the so-called Presi¬
dent of the United States. Is this true? If so, I cannot
longer count you among my friends. The South has long
looked to you as their guiding star to finally settle the present
war. Please answer at once. With high consideration, I am,
JEFFERSON DAVIS,

President C. S. A.”

To this dispatch his Majesty the Emperor returned an
answer, directing both Messrs. Lincoln and Davis to come
before him at once, and state their respective cases, and re¬
ceive his decision, to which Mr. Lincoln replies as follows:

“Washington, March 23rd (4 P. M.), 1864—To Norton I:
It is the wish of the President that you visit Sonoma tomor¬
row, and stay at Petaluma until further advices.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President.

By Wm. H. Seward, Sec’y- of State.”

—9—

EMPEROR NORTON

His Majesty the Emperor, ever ready to oblige, starts at
once for Petaluma and Sonoma, and on his arrival at Peta¬
luma receives the following from Jeff:

“Richmond, Ya., March 24th (12M.) 1864—To His Royal
Highness Emperor Norton I, Petaluma: If you wish me to
appear before you in appropriate costume, you must send
me at least five hundred dollars ($500), gold or greenbacks,
as I have but one pair of breeches left, and they, I am sorry
to say, are minus a seat. Yours, with great respect,

JEFFERSON DAVIS.”

And the following from Mr. Lincoln:

“Washington, D. C., March 24th (12 M.) 186-1—To Em¬
peror Norton I, Petaluma: Your demand ‘reminds me of a
little story,’ which I will relate to you next November. I
have no time to spare now, being busy settling accounts with
a seedy individual by the name of Jeff Davis; do you sabe?
Yours every time,

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.”

PETALUMA,

California

—10—

LIFE AND EXPERIENCES

[Daily Alta California, March 9, 1866]

Despairing of settling the affairs of the nation under the
circumstances, His Majesty went to Sonoma, in accordance
with the request of the citizens of that loyal city, and then
received the following from the head “Manager” of the grand
state ball given in his honor:

“Sonoma, March 25, 1864— Emperor Norton. Your
Royal Highness is respectfully invited to attend the ball giv¬
ing in honor of you at the Union Hall, Sonoma, no excuse
will be taken on your part.

J. C. WEBSTER, Manager.”

THE GRAND STATE BALL
IN HONOR OF EMPEROR NORTON
SONOMA, CALIFORNIA

After the ball was over his Majesty returned to “Frisco,”
and now remains in his capital city, waiting to see what will
turn up next.

—11—

LIFE AND EXPERIENCES

DEAD DOGS

Once Bummer, the older and more venerable dog, was
alone and seemed to be acting strangely. On leaving the
restaurant he was followed, and was observed carrying the
proceeds of his meal-time vigilance to Lazarus, who was ill
and unable to take his accustomed place beside the tables
with his friend. And later, this particular service of love was
returned in the same manner when Bummer was suffering
from some affliction.

The dogs were worthy of recognition not alone as town
notables, but also for public service, as they excelled in re¬
lieving the storekeepers along the waterfront of their rats.

A new deputy of the poundmaster once arrested Lazarus,
only to be mobbed by a crowd. Money was raised imme¬
diately for the dog’s release, and Lazarus was never arrested
again. The Board of Supervisors even issued a special ordi¬
nance that gave these two dogs the freedom of the city.

Lazarus was poisoned by some unknown chance, and Bum¬
mer was inconsolable. After that he worked the lunch
counters only when hunger drove him. He met death by
accident soon after the death of Lazarus, both dogs died in
the year 1865. Their presence was sincerely missed by the
people of San Francisco.

—13—

LIFE AND EXPERIENCES

Through all Norton maintained his friends, and became a
rather genially accepted figure in the public eye. Noticeable,
though never intrusive, he attracted a response of sym¬
pathy and indulgent tolerance.

Norton was a regular attendant at church, giving no pref¬
erence, in fact attending one of a different denomination each
Sunday, and he appeared to enjoy a good sermon. He was a
member of the Occidental Lodge, F. and A. M., which made
provision for his lodging at the Eureka Lodging House
(Hotel), Sacramento Street. The chief decorations of his room
were the portraits of the foreign rulers and Norton’s
collection of hats. During the day Norton spent his time
upon the streets, traveling from one part of the city to an¬
other, possibly to see that the policemen were on duty, the
sidewalks unobstructed, and the various city ordinances en¬
forced. He liked to visit markets and the docks, and to view
buildings in process of construction.

He was a good conversationalist, and, having free access
to the libraries and reading rooms, he kept well informed on
topics of the day. He spoke readily upon almost any subject,
and his opinions were usually very accurate, except when
relating to himself. He gave proof of more than ordinary
intelligence, was quite familiar with history, in general, and
his scientific knowledge, though sometimes “shimmed” was
considerably extensive.

Of evenings he could be found at the theatres or in the
lecture room, a cool observer and attentive listener. His face
was a free ticket for him to all places of amusement and pub¬
lic gatherings, and he often made extensive journeys with
no expenditure. Sacramento was a favorite rendezvous, par¬
ticularly during the sessions of Legislature. He was on
familiar terms with all officials, high and low, and unless
crossed on the one idea of his being “Emperor of the United
States,” he was disposed to be congenial.

— 15 —

EMPEROR NORTON

Before the culmination of his business career he had al¬
ways been known to combine splendid judgment with great
business acumen. He was enterprising and versatile in busi¬
ness matters, and at one time was buying partner for three
or four mercantile houses in the interior of the State, and
at another time, judging from the records of city and county,
he was one of the largest land speculators of the day. De¬
tails as to the disposal of his properties have always remained
obscure. His former business partner disowned any knowl¬
edge of Norton’s history in California, and persons to whom
he transferred his interest in valuable real estate “knew noth¬
ing of his real estate transactions.”

He occasionally called at the offices or places of business
of acquaintances, stopping for a few minutes, talking on gen¬
eral subjects, giving valuable business advice on request,
never calling so often as to be unwelcome, or to be consid¬
ered offensive. He seemed to know the proper method and
moment for approach, as well as that of a timely exit. He
was fond of children and was always gentle and courteous to
them. He liked the ladies, and sometimes imagined himself
the beau of some popular belle of the day.

Norton was never to meet with royalty but once, and that
in the person of Don Pedro, Emperor of Brazil.

-16-

LIFE AND EXPERIENCES

[Daily Alta California, March 9, 1866.]

An Important Document—It has pleased his Most Grac¬
ious Majesty Norton I to issue the following

PROCLAMATION:

“Honesty is the best Policy.”

Understanding that Mr. Perkins or his employees have
had the audacity to detain important dispatches from abroad,
addressed to Norton I, Emperor; and whereas, it is dangerous
to the peace of the people of this continent to permit such
treasonable acts with impunity; therefore, we, Norton I,
Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico, do
hereby decree, that Mr. Perkins be dismissed from the Post
Office, and Frank Pixley take the place, and that Mr. Perkins
be condemned to 12 months’ imprisonment in San Quentin.

NORTON I.

San Francisco, Cal., March, 1866.

A Matter for Investigation—Our beloved monarch, Max,
we mean Norton I, has forwarded us the following com¬
munication, which we hasten to put in print, as it is of the
utmost importance that the matter referred to should be
officially investigated:

EDITORS ALTA—Unfortunately for myself, I broke
through my resolution of not visiting the men-of-war with¬
out receiving a visit from the Commodore, and on visiting the
Monadnock, this morning, I was very rudely and ungentle-
manly ill-used by one of the officers of that vessel. Now, as
I don’t care a straw for unmerited ill-treatment, I should
like, however, if you mention this affair, to inquire if it was
intended as an official insult, as I may then act accordingly.

Your friend,

NORTON I.

—17—

EMPEROR NORTON

Once only he was arrested. In 1867 a newly-appointed
young deputy apprehended Norton and had him locked up.
The next day when brought before the proper authorities he
was promptly discharged with an apology. The verdict was
“that he had shed no blood; robbed no one; and despoiled no
country; which is more than can be said of his fellows in that
line.” There were returned to him the key of the palace, and
the imperial funds amounting to $4.75 lawful money. For
these the Emperor gave his royal receipt.

[Daily Alta California, Dec. 19, 1868]

QUEEN ISABELLA AND THE SPANISH DIFFICULTY

Opinion of His Majesty Norton I, D. G., on the Comparative
Merits of Republics and Monarchies.

His most serene majesty the Emperor Norton I, Emperor
of the United States, Sovereign Lord and sole owner of
Guano Islands and Protector of Mexico, being always ready
to say a good word for brother or sister sovereign, has con¬
sented to give the benefit of his friendly counsel to the people
of Spain and help Isabella out of her little unpleasantness,
as will be seen by the following royal proclamation:

-18-

LIFE AND EXPERIENCES

AN OPINION ON SPANISH AFFAIRS, FOR THE BENE¬
FIT OF QUEEN ISABELLA

San Francisco, Cal., December 7, 1868.

By request of some Spaniards, we write an opinion rela¬
tive to the difficulties in Spain, but not having proper (offi¬
cial) information as to the causes of Queen Isabella’s Gov¬
ernment having been dethroned, we can say nothing on that
affair; but can give some idea, from past experience, as to
which we believe is the best form of government for a nation.
Take the history of the United States for the last sixteen
years, during our reign over the American nation, bringing in
the decrees, proclamations, manifestoes, telegraphic mes¬
sages and opinions of Norton I, and it will prove—

First—That an Empire is profound tranquillity and pros¬
perity, provided the Government is impartial and pure.

Second—That a Constitutional Monarchy is the next best
form of government, because the King is like a Judge or In¬
dependent Power between the two parties.

Third—That a Republic is anarchy. Prey of one party
against the other causes mobs, factious parties and improper
influences of those political sects on the Government, and that
the citizen has not that protection for his person and property
that he is entitled to by paying his pro rata of the expenses
of the government, and ends, eventually, in making its citi¬
zens the Ishmaelites amongst other nations.

NORTON I.

-19—

EMPEROR NORTON

San Francisco Bay was ordered bridged by Emperor Nor¬
ton in 1869; the following Proclamation appearing in the
Oakland Daily News, August 19, 1869:

probably laougu., a gim. ..appear -

who suddenly decamped, olimbing the fence
and leaving all their pander except the fifty-
cents

Proclamation from His Highness,
Norton I.—Whereas, reliable information has
reached us to the effect that our neighboring
sovereign, the reigning Queen of the
Friendly Islands, is desirous of annexing her
dominions to the United States, and herself to
our royal person,and whereas, it i3 our pleasure
to acquiesce in all means ©f civilization and
population, now .therefore we, Norton I, Dei
Gratia , Empeior of the United States and Pro¬
tector of Me: iCO do order and direct, first,
that Oaklaud small be the coast termination of
the Central Pacific Railroad ; secondly, that a
suspension bridge be constructed from the im¬
provements lately ordered by. our royal decree
at Oakland Point, to Yerba Buena, from thence
to the mountain range of Saueilleto and from
thence to the Faralloncs, to be of sufficient
strength and size for a railroad; an i thirdly,
the Central Pacific Railroad Company are
charged with the carrying out of this work,
for purposes that will hearafter appear.
Whereof fail not under pain of death.

Given under our hand this 18th day of Au¬
gust, A,».«SGy, and in the 17th year of our
reign, in our present Capitol, the City of Oak¬
land. _ . Norton I.

Remarkable Phenomenon.— Last even¬
ing. from the going down of the * Mi n until

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-20—

LIFE AND EXPERIENCES

Among the proclamations of national and international
purport, distributed through the press, or in pamphlet form,
we find the following:

Paris, September, 1876—Norton I: Through diplomatic
circles, we understand that Queen Victoria will propose mar¬
riage to you, as a means of uniting England and the United
States. Consider well, and don’t accept. No good will come
from it. Watch for letters. GREVY.

St. Petersburg—We are advised that Queen Victoria will
join you in wedlock, to bind closer the ties of the United
States and England. We approve most heartily, and con¬
gratulate you. ALEXANDER, Czar of Russia.

City of Mexico, November 12, 1879—Norton I, Emperor of
the United States and Protector of Mexico: Conference ad¬
journed and am sustained by the people. Place bonds at
earliest moment up to $25,000,000. Your salary is fixed at
$20,000 per annum, payable quarterly in advance.

DIAZ.

Mexico, December 4, 1879—You are no more authorized
to act for our Government. Sam Brannan will take your
place, and will negotiate for the $20,000,000 bonds. You have
deceived us, and appropriated funds belonging to the Mex¬
ican Government. If you do not return the same I shall have
you arrested, and the people here will take advantage of
your necessities. The Mexican Government cannot pay for all
your telegraphing; you must stand half the charges.

DIAZ.

—21—

EMPEROR NORTON

NATHAN PEISER’S STORY

A man by the name of Nathan Peiser of Vallejo once told
an interesting story to a reporter for the Vallejo Chronicle,
concerning the Emperor’s early life. It seems that Mr.
Peiser was on his way from London to Australia and was
shipwrecked off the coast of Africa. He was taken to an
English hospital at Cape Town, having been seriously in¬
jured. Some Jewish merchants called at the hospital, among
them a Mr. Norton. Peiser was also a Jew and he became
acquainted with Mr. Norton, who kept a ship-chandlery store
in Cape Town. Peiser knew some of Norton’s relatives and
friends in London, and Norton immediately had him taken to
his residence to recuperate. Mr. Norton’s oldest son was
named Joshua Norton, a young man between twenty-five and
thirty years of age. Joshua spoke of his birthplace having
been London, and he made fun of the Jewish prayers, which
were frequently said, to such extent that once his father
punished him for it. Peiser remained at Cape Town eleven
months, and became quite friendly with Joshua who was
about his own age. Joshua assisted his father in the ship-
chandlery store as a clerk and had a keen, business-like air,
and was much admired by the young as well as the old peo¬
ple in the settlement. Peiser left Cape Town on a German
vessel bound for Hamburg, and after considerable travelling
arrived in California in 1850, where he stayed until the Civil
War. He enlisted and served during the whole conflict, re¬
turning to California in 1866.

One day soon after his arrival in San Francisco he hap¬
pened to go into the Eureka Lodging House, and there he
met Emperor Norton. He recognized him immediately as
his old friend Joshua Norton of Cape Town, the same stout

—22—

LIFE AND EXPERIENCES

figure, though now bent with age, and still the same striking
countenance. The Emperor did not at first recall Peiser until
he Avas told about the shipwreck and various other incidents
of that time. Norton then said he remembered him distinctly
and the correction he received for raising a disturbance at
the Jewish prayer meeting. Peiser was invited to Norton’s
room, and they talked for some time about Norton’s family.
Finally Peiser asked him why they called him Emperor, upon
which Norton’s attitude immediately changed. He cautioned
Peiser never to tell anyone about his folks at Cape Town,
and when Peiser promised Norton told the following story.
He said he was not the son of Mr. Norton at Cape Town, but
that he was Crown Prince to the throne of France; that he
had been sent to Cape Town to save himself from being
assassinated; that he was adopted by Norton and he had
retained Norton’s name for the love he had for him, and had
taken the title of Emperor, which he was rightfully entitled
to bear; that the uniform was presented to him by Queen
Victoria, and all the people, both in the United States and in
Mexico, were his subjects.

He said shortly after Peiser left Cape Town that
Mr. Norton presented him with a brig loaded with goods,
which he took to Chile and Peru and disposed of, making
considerable money.

He then came to California, and after some success, lost
all the money he had and concluded that as he possessed such
a strain of noble blood it would not do for him to work any
more, and he should not until the day of his death.

—23—

EMPEROR NORTON

[Daily Alta California, Sept. 29, 1873]

It was a cruel thing to practice on the credulity of poor
old Emperor Norton, as the ingenious rogue did on Satur¬
day. He approached the Emperor and said he wished to fit
out an expedition to take possession of the Sandwich Islands
in the name of the Emperor of the United States and the
Protector of Mexico, and had bought a first-class vessel at
Mare Island. Would the Emperor kindly make him Admiral
of the fleet, and honor him by sailing on the vessel with him ?
“Certainly.” “Well, Emperor, I have brought the vessel for
$100,000, and have the sum all but a half eagle. Could you let
me have that to complete the purchase?” And the unsuspect¬
ing Emperor went after his buckskin bag, brought out the
amount lacking, paid it to the Admiral, and he has since
learned that all the scoundrels have not gone to Congress.

Norton was always considered a man of good moral attri¬
butes, and, measured by what he tried to attain, even in
his deficiency, he came as near to perfection as is commonly
accorded the ordinary man. As Emperor, his subjects ren¬
dered him esteem, service and even devotion. Their loyalty
was sincerely pronounced, and many times solicitous. His
fancied import was sanctioned by the City, and the Board
of Supervisors, amid fitting ceremony, voted him a new uni¬
form at the expense of the City Treasurer when he began to
look shabby.

— 24 —

LIFE AND EXPERIENCES

The Emperor, with the good of the public ever at heart,
was continually endeavoring to effect some monstrous loan
to pursue a grand national work. He would walk into some
friend’s office, attempt to negotiate a loan for several hun¬
dred million dollars, and leave, evidently satisfied with a two
or a four-bit piece. He was always courteously received, his
attempted negotiations gravely considered, and generally
given an answer that the parties had just made a large loan
to the Emperor of Brazil or the Queen of Sheba, but if the
funds of the Empire were low a small contribution would wil¬
lingly be given. He never complained, but was grateful for
the smallest donation.

With a strong desire to secure everyone who advanced him
money, he gave promissory notes which he denominated
“bonds of the Empire,” and on payment of four-bits would
sign bonds for millions of dollars. He afterwards issued
printed bonds, which he signed, payable in 1880. When em¬
barrassed by request to redeem his notes, he overcame the
difficulty by issuing a new set, payable in 1890, of which the
following is a copy :

Facsimile of an Emperor Norton note

No. 3042

THE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED
STATES—NORTON I.

Promises to pay the holder hereof, the sum of FIFTY CENTS
in the year 1890, with interest at the rate of 4 per cent per
annum from date, the principal and interest to be convertible,
at the option of the holder, at maturity, into 20 years, 4 per
cent Bonds, or payable in Gold Coin.

Given under our Royal hand and seal this 8th day of
January, 1880.

NORTON I, Emperor

-25-

LIFE AND EXPERIENCES

CURTAIN

For twenty-three years Norton was as notable a figure
about San Francisco as a real Emperor in a foreign capital,
until on the evening of January 8, 1880, while walking up
California Street Hill, he paused a moment at the corner of
Du Pont Street, staggered a few steps further and fell.
Passersby came to his assistance, but the world’s greatest
humorist, or its most successful failure, had passed into an¬
other realm.

Among the Emperor’s effects, at death, were found a $2.50
gold piece, $3.00 in silver, and a franc piece of 1828. There
were also a number of official documents and papers of
greater importance, which he always carried on his person.
One of these was a queer looking telegram supposed to be
an autographed communication from the Emperor of China,
asking for the banishment to that country of Dennis Kearney,
upon hearing of his refusal to be decapitated on Norton’s
order. This was especially pleasing to the old fellow, and
he regretted Kearney’s absence that he could not ship him.
(Kearney was an offending party, known for his sand-lot
statesmanship and anti-Chinese oratory.)

Just before his death Norton was nettled over the new
Constitution adopted by the State of California which he
denounced as high treason. He would have destroyed it but
was willing to have the eminent attorney, Hall McAllister,
legally annul it.

—27—

THE TABLES TURNED

LIFE AND EXPERIENCES

CURTAIN

The passing monarch left no property of value, though a
certificate of 98,200 shares of a White Pine mine was among
his treasures, and probably was held as a sinking fund. The
City, as a corporation, owed him only a pauper’s funeral; yet
there were numerous men of high standing in the city who
had known him as a clever business associate and a man
possessing strong intellectual faculties ; they felt they owed
him some mark of respect as a relic of early California days—
of these, Mr. J. G. Eastland, a pioneer, volunteered to raise a
collection to pay the expenses of a worthy burial.

Reverend W. L. Githens, of the Church of Advent, read the
Episcopal Burial Service, and interment was made in Mr.
Eastland’s plot in the Masonic Cemetery.

Ten thousand loyal subjects viewed the body of their dead
Emperor, and, in all, thirty thousand paid tribute to his mortal
remains.

A lady, well-known and of high social station, with her
own fingers pinned upon the lapel of the sleeping monarch a
beautiful boutonniere of hyacinth and a spray of fern, remark¬
ing quietly that Norton had been kind to her when she was
a child and he was in the heyday of his success.

The Bohemians gave an evening to his memory, during
which was read the tribute of Dr. George Chismore, which
expresses exactly the kindly public interest in the strange
personage of Norton:

—29—

EMPEROR NORTON

NORTON IMPERATOR
By DR .GEORGE CHISMORE
“No more through the crowded streets he goes.
With his shambling gait and shabby clothes,
And his furtive glance and whiskered nose—
Immersed in cares of state.

The serpent twisted upon his staff
Is not less careless of idle chaff,

The mocking speech or the scornful laugh.
Than he who bore it late.

His nerveless grasp has released the helm,

But ere the Lethean flood shall whelm
The last faint trace of his fancied realm,

Let us contrast his fate
With other rulers and other reigns.

Of royal birth or scheming brains,

And see if his crazy life contains
So much to deprecate.

No traitorous friends, or vigilant foes.

Rippled the stream of his calm repose;

No fear of exile before him ’rose,

Whose empire was his pate;

No soldiers died to uphold his fame;

He found no pleasure in woman’s shame;

For wasted wealth no well-earned blame
Turned subjects’ love to hate.

No long and weary struggle with pain;

One sudden throe in his clouded brain
Closed forever his bloodless reign,

With every man his friend.

For death alone did he abdicate
What Emperor, Prince, or potentate.

Can long avoid a similar fate,

Or win a better end!

—30—

AVE! Imperator Norton!

V ALLEGRO!

(We spea\ ABOUT the Emperor)

This was, indeed, a royal fellow!

An EmpeROAR in gilded YELLow!

He put the OY in royalty—

The JEST in Majesty, you see,

“To show by one satiric touch.”

(From dear old Dean Swift
this line we lift)

(No nation needs a king “So much”)

No nation NEEDS a KING “SO much,”
He proved by his imperial pose
That royalty is largely “close”

(Or, after all, “just these and those”).

The starch of stiff and studded fronts
He liquified with lurid stunts.

The KING, as comic lead he played,
Court Jester fearsomely arrayed,
MaJESTic in his pompous guise,

To “kid” the solemn and intrigue the wise.

(Endeth here, our Prologue plain:
J^ow for the swelling after-strain.)

* “Ave, Emperor Norton” was not received in time to become a part of the 1st, and 2nd,
editions, proper. Mr. McDevitt’s Epilogue followed the receipt of an announcement of the
book. -The Editor.

AVE! Imperator Norton!

IL PENSEROSO!

(We spea\ TO an Emperor)

Ave! Emperor, morituri

We salute thy dateless dyne;
Self-appointing, self-annointing,

First and last of all thy line!

Never monarch spread more golden
Glamour o’er a golden age
Than thy proud imperial presence
Poured on our unlordly stage.

Other sovrens, brief of seizin’

Bow their exit at death’s call.

E’en as waves that, swarming shoreward.
Rise and follow, rise and fall—

Thou alone, O self-creating,

Throning thee in fancy’s realm—
Domest thee a region'kingdom

Time nor tide can overwhelm.

Monarch’s, e’en like toilers’, truly

Fleet and fade—as fleets their day.
While the dreamer, poet'dreaming,

Lives forever—lasts for aye.

(Echoes here—?—O’Reilley’s lay.)

E’en while Booth’s majestic Hamlet
Trod Maguire’s majestic boards,
Making groundlings marvel greatly
At the grandeur of milords.

Thy enchantment, brain-engendered,

Made of life, itself, a play,

Siamesing Art and Nature
In imperial purple’s sway;

While thy sovrenty more potent

Than the mortal king who quails,

Spurned those spurious additions—

Arms, assuess, judges, jails.

Greatening Truth thou teachest, Emperor,

That the Real is ghost and shade:

While the shadow, made ideal,

Likewise is immortal made.

Long as Market Street paraders
Ply the imperial thorofare,

An imperial Impersona,

Will be reverently there.

Majesty, awaiting homage,

As in years of Auld Lang Syne,

When the Emperor dreamed in dreamland
An imperial dream divine!

Wm. McDevitt

The above was submitted to Mr. Dressier by a contemporary. It is with
pride, enthusiasm and good than\s, that he is permitted to pass it along —as
the latest, and possibly the most appropriately lasting of all tributes to him
whose life’s sacrifice was turned into a charade of pleasantry for others.

LIVE ON! IMPERATOR! LIVE ON!

Albert Dressler, Editor

EMPEROR NORTON

An edition of 550 numbered copies. 50 copies being reserved for
private distribution, edited and published by Albert Dressier on the
15th of November in the year of Nineteen hundred twenty-seven
of which this book is